Obituary of Michael J. Morris

Michael J. Morris, a resident of Poughkeepsie, died peacefully on Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, surrounded by loved ones. He was 82. Son of the late Michael and Gertrude Coe Morris, he was born November 26, 1935 in Jamaica, Queens. He married the former Joan E. Schneider in 1958 at St. John the Evangelist Church in Beacon. Mrs. Morris survives at home in Poughkeepsie. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. His service included working as an engineer on the Capehart Housing Project on Guam. He was honorably discharged in 1972. Mike owned and operated Morris Associates in Poughkeepsie until his retirement. He grew this engineering firm from a homemade drafting table in the dining room to a successful and well respected company. He enjoyed antique cars as well as kayaking, skiing, and golfing. Mike loved to spend time sitting on his deck in the Adirondacks, especially when he was enjoying a glass of wine with family and friends. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Glen Morris and his partner, Sandra Lake of Poughkeepsie, Jeannine Gasparini and her husband, Paul of Queensbury, Kathy Ceng and her husband, Tarkan of Wappingers Falls, and Susan Zimbelmann and her husband, AJ of Mystic, CT; grandchildren, Kieran, Evan, Ryan, Thomas, Oonagh and Cecilia; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Joanne Grieb, and his granddaughter, Elizabeth Lally Zimblemann. Mike was a giant among men, both in stature and spirit. His incredible strength was equally matched by his tremendous compassion. He will be remembered for his kindness as well as his bright smile. Those that knew and loved him, and there are many, will cherish the influence he had on their lives and the beautiful legacy he leaves behind. Family will receive friends on Sunday, December 3, 2017 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, December 4, 2017 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, Clinton Street in Wappingers Falls. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Wappingers Falls. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Vassar Brothers Medical Center for their care and compassion, especially in Mike's final days. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mike's name to St. Christopher's Inn, 21 Franciscan Way, Garrison, NY 10524, www.stchristophersinn-graymoor.org or Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517, www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Truly, he would love nothing more than for you to show acts of kindness to others. For directions or to send the family a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.